Praise for Drylaw’s ‘urban art installation’

A controversial community art ‘installation’ has been praised by arts organisation Creative Scotland. Drylaw’s ‘Love My Docs‘, which is situated behind The Ferry Boat in Drylaw Shopping Centre, has been recognised as an iconic image of the coronavirus era.

Creative Scotland’s Ruaridh Afton-Waters said: “The Drylaw artwork is an important piece of modern sculpture, symbolising  a working class community’s fight against this all-powerful invisible enemy that is Coronavirus.

“What makes this piece so special is that it encourages local people to add their own pieces of art – and hundreds of community artists have stepped forward to embrace the challenge. Their imaginative contributions have built into an incredibly important statemement of empowerment.

“They are saying: ‘you won’t defeat us, coronavirus.  You can shut our museums and art galleries, you can even shut our Ferry Boat – but you’ll never destroy our spirit of creativity.

“It is brutal, it is primitive, but most of all ‘Love My Docs’ is truly,  deeply moving.”

Moving, indeed – and some Drylaw residents are hoping the artwork will be moving on sometime soon!

Community togetherness won’t last, says study

The UK public feel that any sense of ‘community togetherness’ that has been built during the coronavirus crisis will disperse as soon as it is over says a new study commissioned by the Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues at the University of Birmingham .

A poll undertaken by Populus of 2,088 adults in the UK found that older generations and women have felt a stronger sense of community togetherness recently, compared with younger generations and men, who have not felt this to the same degree.

Conversely, there was the opposite generational gap identified in terms of those who agreed that community togetherness would disappear after the crisis is over, with those aged 45-64 being most negative (61%), compared with less than half of those aged 18-24 (46%).

This suggests that there has been a marked generational divide in how people have responded to the crisis. This is highlighted further in responses from 18-24 year olds to the valuing of health of older generations today over longer-term economic prosperity. Younger people disagreed with this statement in larger numbers (13%) than those aged over 45 (9%).

The importance of character in times of crisis was highlighted, as 68% of the British public valued ‘being compassionate/caring’ in their top 3 most valued character strengths seen in those around them – an identical figure to a preliminary poll conducted in April 2020; they also valued it the most in terms of personal well-being (25%). Yet, concerns over the lack of community spirit were further emphasised.

Findings showed that less than a quarter of the British public have given their time to benefit others during the crisis. Of those who have, 18-24 year olds and those aged 55-64 have volunteered the most, with women volunteering more than men, and the East Midlands and South East being the areas of the country where people have volunteered the most.

There was a decline in the value placed on the civic character strengths of ‘being of service’ and ‘having community awareness’ in the people around us, compared to the April 2020 poll. Instead, the British public placed greater value on ‘being resilient’; this is suggestive that the public mood has moved to one of self-preservation over community togetherness.

Commenting on the findings, Aidan Thompson, Director of Strategic Initiatives in the Jubilee Centre, said; ‘Strengths of character have helped everyone to negotiate a path through these uncertain and unprecedented times.

“This poll reflects the continued importance of character in how we treat those around us and those we look up to. Good character development benefits both the individual and the community, so whilst notions of ‘community togetherness’ may seem as though they are dwindling, continuing to provide opportunities to serve the public good are essential to cultivate a character-full society.’

Other notable findings include: 

  • Good judgement is valued more by older generations than younger ones as important to one’s wellbeing;
  • Older people have felt a stronger notion of community togetherness during the crisis than younger people, but were more likely to agree that it would disappear once the crisis is over;
  • The public value having ‘good judgement’ (71%) and ‘being wise’ (40%) in senior leaders and politicians in greater numbers than in the first poll;
  • A large majority (71%) of the public support following government lockdown guidelines as an expression of civic duty, though only 56% of 18-24 year olds agreed, compared with 87% of those over 65 years.

 

Val McDermid reveals the rising stars of crime fiction

The undisputed ‘Queen of Crime’ Val McDermid has unveiled the hotly tipped ‘New Blood’ authors for 2020, showcasing the year’s best breakout crime writing talent: 

–          Deepa Anappara – Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line (Chatto & Windus)

–          Elizabeth Kay – Seven Lies (Sphere)

–          Jessica Moor – Keeper (Penguin)

–          Trevor Wood – The Man on the Street (Quercus)

Since 2004, the best-selling Scottish author of the Tony Hill & Carol Jordan series has curated an annual celebration of the most formidable debuts taking the crime and thriller genre by storm, with an invitation to join the line-up of the world’s largest and most prestigious crime fiction festival: Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival. 

This year, Deepa Anappara has been selected for her part coming-of-age, part detective mystery Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line, a heart-breaking and thought-provoking social commentary of modern India’s slums that has been recognised for the Women’s Prize.

Elizabeth Kay is on the list for her explosive Seven Lies, taking domestic noir to a whole new level in a deliciously dark blurring of truth and lies, and Jessica Moore is recognised for her brutal and beautiful Keeper, the addictive literary thriller that has had everyone talking. Concluding this year’s New Blood contingent is Trevor Wood and his debut The Man on the Street, a gritty thriller set on the streets of Newcastle. 

Val McDermid said: “I have been hosting the New Blood showcase since the festival began in 2003 and, in my book, discovering and sharing new talent with an eager audience is the best job in crime fiction.

“I know exactly what I’m looking for on my quest: fresh and distinctive voices, a well-told, convincing story and the almost indefinable sense that these authors all have much more to say. Deepa, Elizabeth, Jessica and Trevor tick all of these boxes and more, and if this year’s debuts share a theme, it is the irresistible and devastating way in which crime fiction shines a light on our times: homelessness, domestic violence, child trafficking and mental health are all dissected with an unflinching gaze.

“Whilst we can’t gather en masse at the Old Swan Hotel in Harrogate this year, I hope that readers will enjoy our virtual introduction to these brilliant new writers.”

 The unveiling of McDermid’s selection has become one of the most anticipated moments of the publishing calendar, with readers on the lookout to uncover their new favourite author and add the ‘next big thing’ to their bookshelves. 

Former ‘New Blood’ alumni include Clare Mackintosh, SJ Watson, Stuart MacBride, Liam McIlvanney and Belinda Bauer, as well as three authors on this year’s shortlist for the UK’s most prestigious crime writing award – Theakston Old Peculier: Abir Mukherjee, Jane Harper and Oyinkan Braithwaite, who was chosen just last year for her Booker longlisted My Sister, the Serial Killer. 

As part Harrogate International Festivals’ year round programme of events, each year the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival welcomes the world’s famous authors each year to Harrogate’s Old Swan Hotel – the scene of Agatha Christie’s mysterious disappearance in 1926 – for a celebration of the crime genre like no other.

 This year’s instalment – which formed part of Harrogate International Festival Summer Season – was cancelled, with much sadness, due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and so the 2020 ‘New Blood’ showcase will be streamed on the festival’s HIF Player on what would have been the legendary weekender on Saturday 25 July 2020. 

Val McDermid will also interviewed by Mark Lawson about the legacy of the New Blood panel, discussing the vital role of the showcase in giving a platform to new writers in the industry and the crime community, and giving a peek behind the scenes into how and why she chooses the books. 

Trevor Wood said: “As a kid I dreamt of playing in the cup final. I’m a fraction older now but being chosen for Harrogate’s New Blood panel feels exactly like that did.” 

Jessica Moor said: “To have been chosen for this panel, which has included some of my favourite new authors of the last decade, and to have been chosen by the legendary Val McDermid, is a such an honour.” 

Deepa Anappara said: “I am thrilled and honoured to be picked for the New Blood panel, and grateful to Val McDermid for her immense generosity and support of debut novelists.” 

Elizabeth Kay said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to have been selected for such a prestigious event. The ‘New Blood’ panel has an incredible history, and I’m delighted to be participating this year alongside three really exciting other authors.”

Police launch annual Shut Out Scammers campaign

Doorstep crime is a problem that continues to plague our communities’ year on year. These incidents can have a devastating and lasting effect on victims from disruption to their homes, or property and financial loss that impacts heavily on their emotional wellbeing and health.

This is why we feel it is so important to run a yearly Shut Out Scammers campaign, in our effort to raise awareness and provide guidance on the matter of doorstep crime.

This year’s campaign, titled ‘It is not easy to spot a rogue trader’, aims to highlight the signs to look out for when trying to identify a rogue trader or bogus caller at your door, and the support mechanisms available to help you do this.

With the main message of the campaign being:

It’s not easy to spot a rogue trader. They will often look genuine. They will look professional, have a branded van, a website, and business cards. They may even have their company listed on review sites, and appear to be endorsed by reputable trade associations. They may look authentic, but cowboy traders just want to scam you.

Don’t let scammers in to your home.

Just say no.

How Can You Spot a Rogue Trader?

The most common types of work offered are roofing, driveways and gardening. They mainly operate during the spring and summer months when lots of people are looking to get work done around the house and garden.

It is difficult to tell the difference from a real tradesman; however they will:

  • Offer to do small jobs cheaper than competitors. However, once started they claim that urgent and more expensive repair work is needed on your property when this is not the case.
  • Claim they can start immediately and offer special discounted deals if you pay in cash now, trying to rush your decision.
  • Complete similar work in your area to give you confidence in them. However, scammers have been known to finish one job in order to get into a local area. They then go on to scam, mislead and overcharge additional customers in the surrounding area.
  • They can have a local telephone number and claim to have a local business premises. Telephone numbers can now be purchased and business units can be let short term. Scammers will often go to great lengths to make you believe they are local.
  • They may even drive a branded vehicle and have a website that they can direct you toare able to supply a business card.

Due to the current COVID 19 pandemic, remember that you and the tradespersons should adhere to the social distancing guidelines to keep safe.

Call 101 to report any suspicious activity. If you feel scared or threatened call 999 and ask for the police.

For more information on spotting the signs of a rogue trader visit Trading Standards site, while further advice in relation to COVID19 scams can be found here.

What can you do to shut out the scammers?

  • If you don’t want any cold callers, you can request a No Cold Calling sticker from your local Trading Standards office.
  • Always ask for identification.
  • Ask to see a business card or letterhead for full contact details for the company. Call the business to check it exists and that the contractor does work for them.
  • Request to see proof of qualifications in their trade.
  • Consult your local Trusted Trader Scheme via approvedtrader.scot and obtain three quotes for any maintenance work.
  • Check to see if the contractor is a member of a trade association by searching the trade association websites.
  • Never feel pressured into making a decision on the spot. Any legitimate trader will be happy to return at a later date, use this time to research their business.
  • Never agree to a trader starting work straight away and never hand over any money without seeing proper paperwork.
  • Making sure that you understand the terms and conditions, including cancellation rights. Make use of your cooling off period to think about the proposed work.
  • Never be afraid to say ‘No thank you’ and close the door.
  • You can also sign up to the Neighbourhood Watch Scotland Alert system to receive timely alerts about local crime prevention and safety issues from partners such as Police Scotland.

People from deprived areas TWICE as likely to die of COVID-19

As at 14 June, 4,070 deaths have been registered in Scotland where the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was mentioned on the death certificate, according to statistics published by National Records of Scotland (NRS) yesterday.

Between 8th and 14th June, 70 deaths relating to COVID-19 have been registered, a decrease of 19 from the previous week, 1st to 7th June. This is the seventh weekly reduction in a row of deaths involving COVID-19.

To place these statistics in context, the total number of deaths registered in Scotland from 8th to 14th June was 1,032, 3% higher than the average number of deaths registered in the same week over the last five years.

This week, NRS  have produced additional analysis based on deprivation, pre-existing conditions and occupation, the key findings show:

  • People in the most deprived areas were 2.1 times more likely to die with COVID-19 than those living in the least deprived areas.
  • Of those who died with COVID in May, 92% had at least one pre-existing condition. The most common pre-existing condition was dementia and Alzheimer’s disease which accounted for 38% of all deaths involving COVID0-19, followed by ischaemic heart disease which account for 11% of all deaths.
  • The highest number of deaths involving COVID-19 of working people  aged between 20-64 by occupation group were among process, plant and machine operatives which accounted for 43 deaths and an age-standardised death rate of 25.1 per 100,000 population.

Pete Whitehouse, Director of Statistical Services, said: “Every death from this virus is a tragedy. These statistics, alongside the other important evidence being made available by the Scottish Government and Health Protection Scotland (HPS), are valuable to the understanding of the progress and impact of the COVID-19 virus across Scotland. 

“Today we have published new analysis on mortality by occupation and provided a further breakdown by location to cover smaller areas. We have also included updated analysis on mortality by deprivation, leading causes of death and pre-existing conditions. Our aim is that this will provide important information to help understand the impact of the virus across the country.”

The publication Deaths involving coronavirus (COVID-19) in Scotland and an infographic summary is available on the NRS website.

covid-deaths-infographic-week-24

Pedalling towards healthier lungs

  • A recent survey by Asthma UK and British Lung Foundation Scotland found that almost 70% of Scots are looking to do more active travelling in a post covid-19 world.
  • Another study by Asthma UK and British Lung Foundation shows that 1 in 6 have noticed improvements to their lung health with the decrease in air pollution.  

The coronavirus outbreak has had unexpected effect of lowering air pollution levels across Scotland’s towns and cities. A recent survey by Asthma UK and British Lung Foundation Scotland found that 1 in 7 (14%) people with a respiratory condition are reporting they have felt the benefit of cleaner air. 

As we look towards life after lockdown, Asthma UK and British Lung Foundation Scotland are calling for the Scottish Government to make active travel and public transport options safe and accessible to ensure we continue to see the benefits of cleaner air. 

The recent announcement that Transport Scotland are increasing their Spaces for People fund to £30 million to support active travel infrastructure is extremely encouraging, given that almost 70% (69.4%) of Scots are looking to using more active methods of travel in a post-Covid world. However, without the continued progression of the Low Emission Zones in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow the impact will be limited. 

Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma UK and British Lung Foundation Scotland, said“It’s been very reassuring to see such high levels of support for active travel.

“As lockdown restrictions are lifted and we start to venture further from our homes, we hope that people will continue to walk and cycle wherever possible. Not only will it bring benefits to our physical health through exercise, but we will all benefit from the long-term benefits of reduced air pollution.”

Karen McGregor, Director of Sustrans Scotland, said: Our recovery from the pandemic can be a catalyst for positive, long-lasting change in the way we live and move around.

“Cleaner modes of travel and fewer cars should be at the heart of our recovery plans. What we have seen during lockdown, with less cars on the road, is that people will change their behaviour if they feel their streets are safer.

“Failure to make is it easier and safer for people to travel more actively and sustainably will increase our car dependency, which is a major source of air pollution and greenhouse emissions in this country.” 

Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity, said: “Walking and cycling brings huge benefits to our physical and mental wellbeing, while at the same time protecting our air quality, our climate and helping to manage demand on our public transport network.

“I have reallocated £30 million in order to put forward a package of support for our local authorities to implement temporary active travel measures. This is already helping to ensure that people can walk, wheel and cycle during this public health emergency whilst physically distancing and protecting them from traffic and it will continue to help as our recovery progresses.

“To improve air quality, to respond to the climate emergency and to protect public health I am committed to introducing Low Emission Zones in Scotland’s four largest cities as quickly as possible.

“Local authorities share this ambition and Scotland’s first LEZ in Glasgow has been in place since 2018. Reviews will be undertaken across 2020 and 2021 to determine the earliest date when LEZs could realistically be introduced using the powers of the Transport (Scotland) Act.”

Black Lives Matter mural trail

In response to the recent international outpouring of support for Black Lives Matter following the killing of George Floyd in USA, Scotland’s BAME artists are stepping up, supported by leading arts organisations.

A Scotland wide Black Lives Matter Mural Trail is now popping up, with displays on a dozen arts venues and sites across Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness, with many more to follow.

Art is powerful and at a time when all Scotland’s venues are closed for the foreseeable future, they can still have a voice by offering their walls and doors to be used for this dramatic, vital statement of support for Black Lives Matter.

The artworks – colourful, challenging, moving, powerful and diverse – inspired by the themes of I Can’t Breathe and Black Lives Matter, will be created by artists from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, all living in Scotland.

Several will be supported by additional exhibitions with local relevance. They will be in a variety of media including paint, photography, video and digital art, in a wide range of styles, including fine art, street art, text, illustrative and abstract.

The artists come from a wide range of backgrounds (including Cape Verde, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Papua New Guinea, Pakistan/Harris, USA), some trained, some self taught, combining youth and experience, individuals and artist collectives – all uniquely talented.

All will be large scale and hard to miss!

The trail is the brainchild of Edinburgh based creative producer Wezi Mhura (Iron Oxide, Struileag (Commonwealth Games 2014), AfriFest, Edinburgh International Festival) a specialist in large scale events, who pulled the idea together in just over a week, with the support of venues and arts organisations including Edinburgh International Festival, Dance Base, Queen’s Hall Edinburgh, Eden Court Theatre, Glasgow’s King’s Theatre and Theatre Royal, and many more.

One of the first to go up is at The Hub on Castlehill, which features art based on an original photograph by British born Nigerian photographer Jamal Yussuff-Adelakun, which he created with his daughter Lola (above). There will also be a series of other photos from the same session.

Scotland’s society and attitudes are shaped by its history rooted in slavery, colonialism and imperialism. There are reminders of it in every major city, in statues and buildings which were built by profits from the slave trade.

There is a wide debate opening up about how that should be represented. This Scottish Mural Trail shows a way that art can be at the forefront and stimulating the conversation, while also adding an exciting new dynamic to currently boarded up venues.

Wezi Mhura said: “The Scottish government says it recognizes the strength in its aspirations to a more equal and more diverse society going forward, and we hope this Mural Trail will help to start the conversations that need to be happening now.

“It’s been amazing to connect in with so many talented artists (with roots in so many different places) who have been so enthusiastic about getting behind this project”.

Jamal Yussuff-Adelakun said: “My daughter and I have bonded and created before when it comes to photography, but never before have we both used the medium of photography to talk about race injustice or racism.

“For me this was a new found way to have that conversation with her.”

Capital sites to follow include Queen’s Hall, DanceBase, Royal Lyceum Theatre, Festival Theatre and Meadowbank stadium.

 

College drop-out rates for adopted young people ‘alarming’, warns charity

A “huge and concerning” college drop-out rate among adopted young people has led Adoption UK to call for governments in all four nations of the UK to rethink our education system. 

The charity’s Better Futures report reveals a third of adopted young people who started a college course within one year of leaving school, were unable to complete it.

A similar proportion were not in education, employment or training (NEET) at some point between the ages of 16 and 24 – three times the national average.

More than half of the adopted people surveyed for the report, all of whom are aged 16 or older, revealed they did not feel confident about their academic ability while they were at college.

Low self-esteem and lack of confidence in their ability to meet the academic standards had a detrimental effect, especially among those who had previously struggled at school.

Many adopted young people will have had a very difficult start in life. Three quarters of them have experienced abuse and neglect. All have lost their birth family and endured moves through the care system before finding a permanent home. In school, they are much more likely to be excluded, to have complex special educational needs, and to leave with few or no qualifications.

Rebecca Brooks, Adoption UK’s education policy advisor and author of the report, said: “The traditional smooth trajectory from school to further education and on to work or higher education is out of reach for too many adopted young people.  

“Poor experiences of school, changes taking place during adolescence, and the additional challenges of navigating the transition to adulthood while coming to terms with a complex history and identity can result in young people arriving at post-16 education with unique and complex support needs.”

The majority of respondents to Adoption UK’s survey did not benefit from the provision of a mentor or key worker, or access counselling or wellbeing services while they were at college. More than half found the college environment overwhelming and even threatening.

Mrs Brooks continued: “The current lack of awareness around this group of young people’s needs and the subsequent failure of our education system to effectively support them has a dramatic impact, not only in terms of attainment, but also on mental health, motivations to continue with education, and long-term prospects.”

Adoption UK is urging the governments across the UK to provide greater support for all care experienced children in schools; track the attainment of adopted young people in post-16 education and provide more realistic post-16 options for all young people.

“These young people’s stories should prompt a radical overhaul of the way we support adopted and care-experienced people in further education throughout their lives, so that all those who did not have an equal start in life can have an equal chance in education,” Mrs Brooks added.

The pause in formal education due to lockdown, and subsequent transition plans, are a vital opportunity to reflect seriously on how to give the UK’s most vulnerable students equal opportunities to learn.

Edinburgh North & Leith: the UK’s most pro-EU constituency

  • Edinburgh North & Leith constituency leads the way with more signatures than any other in the UK
  • Leading Scottish pro-EU organisation adds voice to calls for Brexit delay as petition passes 100,000

Scotland’s largest pro-EU campaign organisation, the European Movement in Scotland (EMis) has added its voice to calls for a two-year extension to the Brexit transition period, which culminates at the end of this year.

Urging the UK Government to focus on tackling the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis, the call comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to meet EU institution leaders (the president of the European Council, Commission and Parliament.

Branding the refusal to extend as “highly reckless”, the demand by EMiS comes as a petition calling for such an extension passes the 100,000 threshold.

Passing this mark this requires the Petitions Committee of the Westminster Parliament to give serious consideration to whether such a delay should be debated.  An Edinburgh constituency, Edinburgh North & Leith has led the charge with more signatures than any constituency in the UK.

The First Ministers of Scotland and Wales have both written to Boris Johnson, requesting an extension period and a recent Ipsos Mori poll indicates that just under two-thirds – 64% – of people in Scotland believe the UK Government should seek an extension to focus on the pandemic. This compares to 54% across the UK – still a clear majority.

Recent evidence also points to the fact that the UK’s economic output has declined by over 20% in April amid warnings of seismic job losses caused by the Covid lockdown.

The World Trade Organisation has also warned that a No Deal Brexit during an economic recession could be as deep as the Great Depression.

David Clarke, Vice-Chair of the European Movement in Scotland said: “Despite experiencing one of the largest global pandemics, Boris Johnson’s government recklessly ploughs on with a transition period due to finish at the end of this year, deaf and blind to the enormous damage a poor Brexit deal or indeed no deal will have on an already weakened UK economy.

“If it is to be anything short of an economic catastrophe, the matter of negotiating a good trading deal with the EU should be set to one side until it can be given the serious attention that it clearly now requires.

“We are urging the Prime Minister to propose a two-year extension to the Brexit transition period.

“Such an extension is vital if the UK is not to suffer an even more grievous body-blow to our economy and society from Brexit, on top of the pandemic.

“So far, Boris Johnson has adamantly rejected any extension, but he now faces a full-scale Westminster debate after a petition demanding an extension while the ravages of Covid-19 continue passed the 100,000 barrier set by the Commons.

“It is great to see a Scottish constituency, Edinburgh North & Leith, cementing its role as Britain’s most pro-EU constituency.”

Support for the ‘Left Behinds’

A Treasury Committee recommendation calling for more support for “Left behinds” who are not currently eligible for either of the Government’s Coronavirus support schemes for employees and the self-employed should be adopted without delay, say leading tax and advisory firm Blick Rothenberg.

Robert Salter, a Director at the firm, said: “There are still too many people falling through the gaps, around one million getting no support whatsoever. 

“Whilst credit should be given to the Government for having developed the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS), it was always clear that these schemes were designed for ‘simplicity’ and ‘administrative ease’ rather than for fairness.

“The Treasury Committee’s push to have the Government widen these schemes to those workers who were previously left behind should be welcomed by all those who appreciate fairness and justice in the tax and benefits systems.

He added: “The Committee recommends extending Government support to groups such as those employees who started (or were due to start), employment in March 2020 or afterwards, those workers who genuinely go from short-term engagement to short-term engagement (e.g. free contract workers), Personal Service Company directors who pay themselves via dividends rather than salary and those self-employed individuals who started self-employment in 2019/20 (or in some cases part way through the 2018/19 tax year).

“They also say that the Government should manage the risk of fraud with these cases, but that it is unlikely to present a problem in most of these situations.”

He added: “Established, freelance contractors who have been working for a number of employers on a contract-by-contract basis would usually have submitted tax returns in previous years.  Similarly, established directors of Personal Service Companies would have a similar tax history and would have been filing tax returns to report their dividend income in previous years.  As such, many of the ‘left behinds’ are, from a Revenue data and information perspective, in exactly the same position as other individuals already eligible for CJRS and SEISS support.”